Are you an INFJ?
If you’re not sure, you might want to take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test to find out.
INFJ is one of the rarest personality types, making up only 1% to 3% of the population.
But what does it really mean to be an INFJ?
Are you a walking contradiction, both logical and emotional?
Do you feel misunderstood?
In this article, we’ll explore the traits and characteristics of INFJs, including their strengths, weaknesses, and stressors.
Whether you’re an INFJ yourself or just curious about this unique personality type, read on to discover what it means to be an Advocate.
What Does It Mean To Be An INFJ
INFJ stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging. These four traits define the INFJ personality type, which is known as the “Advocate” or the “Idealist.”
INFJs are introverted, meaning they focus inward before outward. They analyze what things mean to them before responding to the environment. They are also intuitive, which means they focus more on the abstract or potential of something than the concrete or existing reality.
INFJs make decisions based on feelings and values, which is why they are classified as feeling personalities. They apply personal values and empathize in order to make a decision. They want what is best for the group or humanity as a whole.
Lastly, INFJs are judging personalities. They prefer to be planned and organized rather than spontaneous and flexible. They like having things settled, having decisions made, and having a sense of control or structure to their life.
What Is The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Test?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test is a self-report personality assessment questionnaire that helps identify one’s personality type, strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. The assessment questionnaire relies on Carl Jung’s theory and is based on four trait spectrums: introverted versus extroverted, intuitive versus sensing, thinking versus feeling, and sensing versus judging.
The MBTI test is among the most popular psychological instruments in the world and has been used for over 70 years to help people better understand themselves and others. It can be used in various settings such as personal development, career counseling, team building, and relationship counseling.
The test consists of a series of questions that ask about how you prefer to interact with the world, make decisions, and process information. Based on your answers, you are assigned a four-letter personality type, such as INFJ for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging.
While the MBTI test is not a perfect measure of personality and has faced some criticism over the years, it remains a popular tool for self-discovery and understanding. For INFJs specifically, the MBTI test can help them better understand how they interact with others and what careers they might enjoy.
The Rarity Of INFJs
One of the most interesting aspects of the INFJ personality type is its rarity. According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), INFJs make up only 1-3% of the population, making it the rarest personality type in the world. This means that if you are an INFJ, you may feel like you don’t quite fit in with the rest of society.
INFJs are also the rarest personality type among men, which can make it even more challenging for male INFJs to find their place in the world. This rarity can also make it difficult for INFJs to find others who truly understand them and their unique perspective on life.
Despite their rarity, INFJs are valuable assets to society. They have a deep sense of empathy and a desire to help others, making them natural counselors and advocates. They are also highly intuitive and can easily read between the lines to understand what others are feeling or thinking. These traits make INFJs excellent leaders and problem solvers.
The Unique Traits And Characteristics Of INFJs
INFJs possess unique traits and characteristics that set them apart from other personality types. One of their most notable qualities is their deep sense of empathy and compassion. INFJs are highly attuned to the emotions of others and have a natural ability to understand and support those around them. They are often described as warm, supportive, and considerate individuals.
Another defining characteristic of INFJs is their idealism. They have a strong desire to make the world a better place and are driven by a sense of purpose and meaning. INFJs are not content with simply going through the motions of life – they want to make a difference and leave a positive impact on the world.
INFJs also have a unique ability to see the big picture. They are able to connect seemingly unrelated ideas or concepts and find patterns in complex systems. This allows them to approach problems in a creative and innovative way, often coming up with solutions that others may not have considered.
Despite their introverted nature, INFJs are also highly skilled at forming deep and meaningful connections with others. They are able to create a sense of intimacy and trust with those they interact with, which allows them to build strong relationships that last a lifetime.
Finally, INFJs are known for their strong sense of personal integrity. They have a clear set of values and principles that guide their actions, and they strive to always do what is right, even when it is difficult. This unwavering commitment to their beliefs is part of what makes INFJs such powerful advocates for change.
The Strengths Of INFJs
INFJs have many strengths that make them valuable members of society.
Firstly, they have a deep sense of empathy and are highly attuned to the needs of those around them. They are able to connect with people on a deep level and understand their true motivations, feelings, and needs. This allows them to be compassionate and supportive friends, family members, and colleagues.
Secondly, INFJs are insightful thinkers who can see through situations and people effectively. They enjoy developing practical strategies for action and are able to solve problems in a creative and intuitive way. This ability to think outside the box makes them valuable assets in any team or organization.
Thirdly, INFJs have an unwavering commitment to their values and beliefs. They are driven by a desire to make the world a better place and are willing to work tirelessly towards this goal. Their strong sense of purpose and conviction makes them effective leaders and agents of change.
Fourthly, INFJs are excellent listeners who take the time to truly understand others. They are attentive to people’s needs and are always looking for ways to help and find solutions to problems. Their sacrificial nature means that they will go above and beyond to help others without expecting anything in return.
Lastly, INFJs have an uncanny ability to keep the peace and mediate disputes. They are able to detect unspoken and unacknowledged suffering, and are called into action by their instinctive ability to see beneath the surface. They are effective at helping warring parties find workable solutions that will satisfy the needs of all.
The Weaknesses Of INFJs
While INFJs have many strengths, they also have certain weaknesses that can hinder their personal and professional growth. One of the biggest weaknesses of INFJs is their sensitivity to criticism. They take things personally and can become defensive or dismissive when someone challenges their values or principles.
Another weakness of INFJs is their reluctance to open up. While they value honesty and authenticity, they can find it difficult to be vulnerable and share their struggles with others. This can create distance in their relationships and hold them back from seeking help when they need it.
INFJs also tend to be perfectionistic, which can lead them to fixate on imperfections and overlook the positive aspects of their lives. This can cause them to feel dissatisfied with their jobs, living situations, or relationships, even if they are objectively good.
Additionally, INFJs often avoid the ordinary and yearn to do extraordinary things with their lives. While this is a positive trait in many ways, it can also be a weakness if they don’t break down their goals into manageable steps and take action towards achieving them.
Lastly, INFJs can be prone to burnout due to their perfectionism and tendency towards self-sacrifice for the sake of others. They need to balance their desire to help others with self-care and rest in order to avoid exhaustion.
Common Stressors For INFJs
As an INFJ, you may experience stress in various situations that require you to act outside of your preferred nature. Conflict with others is a major stressor for INFJs, as they tend to avoid tension and may withhold information to avoid causing conflict. Being told of last-minute changes can also be stressful for INFJs, as it disrupts their preferred sense of structure and control.
Large group activities can be overwhelming for INFJs, who tend to be introverted and prefer more intimate settings. Being criticized can also be taxing for INFJs, as their empathetic nature often leaves them vulnerable to what others think about them.
Tasks that require focusing on details can also be draining for INFJs, who tend to be more comfortable looking at the big picture. Having to handle many details or detailed tasks, being expected to use logic alone in decision-making, and having to check accuracy of facts and data are all examples of thinking activities that can cause stress for INFJs.
Repetitive tasks or tasks that require being completely in the moment can also be stressful for INFJs, who prefer to have a sense of purpose and meaning in their work. Overall, any situation that requires an INFJ to act outside of their preferred nature or repeatedly use less-developed functions can cause stress and exhaustion.
